In the wake of a shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade in which one person was killed and 22 others were injured, New Jersey Democrat Lisa McCormick has again called on Congress to enact universal background checks for firearms purchasers.
Citing the constitutional mandate for the government to promote general welfare and domestic tranquility, in addition to providing for the common defense, McCormick said there is an urgent need for sensible gun regulations to safeguard communities across the United States and she asked citizens to sign her petition encouraging lawmakers to act.
“The Constitution of the United States assigns the government responsibility for promoting the general welfare and domestic tranquility as well as providing for the common defense,” said McCormick. “The Second Amendment specifically mentions gun regulation, so universal background checks and other sane requirements ought to be made into law.”
McCormick also said she supports a proposed rule seeking to clarify what it means to be “engaged in the business” of selling firearms would bring America as close as possible to universal background checks without the urgently needed congressional action.
On August 30, 2023, the Attorney General signed a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau’s regulations to implement the provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, enacted on June 25, 2022.
McCormick was not alone in expressing such sentiments.
“In Kansas City today, a celebration has turned into a nightmare—again. Americans should not have to live in constant fear of gun violence: not a Super Bowl victory parade, or anywhere else,” said former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. “As we mark six years since the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, another community has to face that trauma. My heart goes out to Kansas City. We’re with you, and we will never stop fighting to end gun violence.”
“I am heartbroken over the tragedy that took place today. My heart is with all who came out to celebrate with us and have been affected. KC, you mean the world to me,” said the tight end Travis Kelce, who offered his condolences and support on social media.
The shooting was the latest to upend a community’s celebration with deadly violence. And with parades coming up on St. Patrick’s Day next month, “my city and many American cities will be tested,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “Is this just something we live with in the same way that we’re living with school shootings and the threat to movie theaters and the threat to bowling alleys?”
Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said that two of three people detained are juveniles and the deadly shooting that turned a celebration for the Kansas City Chiefs into tragedy appeared to stem from a personal dispute among several people involved.
The shooting occurred about 2 p.m. amid a crowd of fans outside the city’s Union Station as the parade and rally for the Super Bowl champions drew to a close. At the sound of gunfire, people fled in every direction while police and first responders began swarming the scene.
One woman was killed and 22 people were injured in a matter of minutes. The victims’ ages range from 8 to 47, Graves said, and at least half are younger than 16.
McCormick’s advocacy for universal background checks underscores her commitment to fostering safer communities and reducing gun violence.
“Every day, 120 people in America are killed with firearms,” said McCormick. “The gun homicide rate in the U.S. is 26 times higher than that of other developed countries, but research shows that common-sense public safety laws can reduce gun violence and save lives.”
By ensuring that all individuals seeking to purchase firearms undergo thorough background checks, McCormick aims to close loopholes that could potentially allow dangerous individuals to obtain firearms without proper scrutiny.
As a staunch believer in the importance of responsible gun ownership, McCormick emphasizes the need for common-sense measures to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.
“The National Rifle Association advocates gun violence as a political tool, and their toxic agenda essentially promotes insurrectionism,” said McCormick. “There is no other way to describe the NRA’s dangerous interpretation of the Second Amendment.”
“Universal background checks represent a critical step in this endeavor, providing a vital layer of protection for communities while upholding the principles enshrined in the Second Amendment,” said McCormick.
With gun violence continuing to pose a significant threat to public safety across the nation, McCormick’s advocacy for universal background checks resonates with many Americans who seek meaningful solutions to address this pressing issue.
By championing this cause, McCormick reaffirms her commitment to promoting policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of all citizens.
As calls for action on gun control grow louder, McCormick’s unwavering support for universal background is a beacon of hope for those advocating for sensible gun regulations that protect the rights of law-abiding citizens while keeping communities safe.